Classic Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver has been a part of our jewelry since ancient times. It has not survived as well as gold because it tarnishes and decomposes over a long period of time. Contrary to what you may hear some say, sterling silver is not of a lesser quality than gold. It is simply a different precious metal and luckily because of availability it has not become as high priced as gold.
It has long been recognized in the world of fashion for its, elegance, sophistication, and class. While at the same time it's a terrific metal to add a little fun and spice up your jewelry wardrobe. Best of all it is versatile, flexible, and affordable. It works well as a stand alone, simple design with no stones. But it also looks great with inset precious or semi precious gemstones. It also combines well with other precious metals.
Pure silver is much too soft to be used for jewelry. It would not be practical as it would wear quickly and easily bend out of shape. That's why it is combined with other metals such as copper, zinc, or nickel. Copper being the most common metal that is added to silver.
These combinations make silver much more durable and hardy. Sterling silver is always marked. For silver to get the sterling silver mark it must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. There are several marks used to identify sterling silver. Some of the more common marks are 925, sterling, and sterling silver. You will also see sterling silver with a hallmark.
Silver may not be as sturdy as stainless steel or titanium, but it as beautiful, and it certainly is durable enough to produce long lasting silver jewelry. You can buy rings, necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks, buckles, and earrings, or any other form of jewelry all made from sterling silver.
Silver is the most common of the precious metals used to make jewelry. It weight about half as much as gold does and it is much more flexible, and much cheaper. An identical piece of jewelry in gold rather than sterling silver could cost as much as 10 times more.
One of the advantages to silver is it loves to be worn. The more it is worn, and the more movement it is exposed to the cleaner and shinier it stays. Now what could be more perfect for our fast paced lifestyles. However, just as gold requires the occasional thorough cleaning, so does silver. Silver will also need to be polished because it will tarnish and take on a black dull look.
Tarnishing does takes time to occur so once a month or every couple of months you can give all your sterling silver jewelry a cleaning with sterling jewelry cleaner. You should also purchase a silver polishing cloth which are easily found at your local department stores. These cloths are great for giving your silver a quick wipe down and they store easily in a zip lock bag.
Just because your silver jewelry is durable doesn't mean you should abuse it. Since it is softer than gold it can scratch so make sure it is not stored or worn where rubbing and abrasion can occur. Just like gold with proper care it can give you many years of enjoyment.
For years silver jewelry has been recognized in the fashion world. In the past few years because of current fashion styles it has become even more popular.
Whether you are off to the office in your business suit, off to that party with your sexy little black dress, or out for a casual walk wearing your favorite jeans. Your silver jewelry will add the finishing touches and keep you looking stylish. No woman or man should be without sterling jewelry in their accessories. Sterling silver jewelry will add a touch of class to any look or style!
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